Hawker Beechcraft has delivered the 7,000th Beechcraft King Air since production began in 1964 and says the ubiquitous twin-engined turboprop "reigns as [the] all-time best-selling business aircraft family".
The milestone aircraft - a 350i - was delivered late last month to Herman & Kittle Properties of Indianapolis.
"The King Air is still king," says HBC executive vice president Shawn Vick. "We delivered the 5,000th King Air in 1996, the 6,000th in 2005 and now we've reached 7,000 - clearly, interest in the all-time best-selling business aircraft family is as strong as ever," he adds.
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| Hawker Beechcraft Owner Jeff Kittle with the 7,000th King Air - a 350i |
The fleet has amassed more than 45 million flight hours and is operated in 127 countries, as well as all branches of the US military, says HBC.
Speaking at the National Business Aviation Association convention last month, HBC president Bill Boisture said the King Air is the "sweet spot" of the Beechcraft line. "It continues to be a very profitable line of business and has huge potential worldwide," he continued.
Source: Flight International